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3. roll sleeves up

roll sleeves up

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roll one's sleeves up

 

1. Lit. to turn one's sleeves upward, exposing the arms. He rolled his sleeves up and began to wash the dishes. Don rolled up his sleeves so he would be cooler.

2. Fig. to prepare to get to work. Let's roll our sleeves up and get this job done! Jane rolled up her sleeves and got to work.

See also: roll, sleeve, up

roll your sleeves up

to prepare for hard work Our local team need to roll their sleeves up and put a bit more effort into their football.

See roll off the tongue

See also: roll, sleeve, up